[2024]Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Refurbished iPhone?
Hi, I’m Crassias, a tech gadgets blogger.
Today I would like to share with you the question “Where should I buy a second-hand iPhone and how to buy it?“
As of early 2024, there are currently 1 billion iPhone devices active in the world, accounting for 28.58% of the global smartphone market. In the United States, the iPhone’s market share is 60.77%.
-The above data comes from Backlinko.com
This is enough to prove the uniqueness and popularity of the iPhone.
As cool as it is to have the latest iPhone, for the average person, is it worth paying for so many features you don’t need?
But in today’s economy, our incomes are declining.
For products that are updated very, for ordinary people, it may be a wiser choice to settle for the next best thing. Don’t let us get into financial problems.
Thus, more and more people are paying attention to second-hand iPhones.
If you are planning to buy a refurbished iPhone, please use this article as a reference.
You will know:
- Recommend 9 ways to buy a refurbished iPhone.
- Things to note when purchasing and after the packages are delivered.
The two most recommended purchasing methods
reebelo：
- Price advantage
- Complete models and sufficient quantity
- Quality is clearly divided into 5 levels
- Free 30-day returns guarantee
- The 12-month warranty policy
Apple:
- Apple Certified Refurbished Products.
- Free 14-day returns guarantee
- The 1-year warranty
- Original battery
| Model | Apple New | Apple Refurbished | Reebelo Refurbished |
|---|---|---|---|
iPhone 15
Blue
256GB | $899 or $37.45/mo. for 24 mo. | Out of stock | Premium
$797.95
Good
$548.99 |
iPhone 14 Blue 256GB | $799 or $33.23/mo. for 24 mo. | Out of stock | Premium
$629.95
Good
$487.35 |
iPhone 13 Blue 256GB | $699 or $29.12/mo. for 24 mo. | Out of stock | Premium
$629.99
Good
$387 |
In my view, it’s essential to choose the best value for money, either by selecting the authentic brand or the original manufacturer.
Table of Contents
1. reebelo
There are many categories, clear classification, excellent quality, and attractive pricing.
Refresh tech consumption with affordable, sustainable, quality devices.
Their mission is to revolutionize the way technology is consumed.
This is the most recommended website for buying second-hand iPhones in this article.
Rated 4.7 on Trustpilot, based on over 33.6k customer ratings.
The reebelo has 4 features I have to recommend it.
A wide range of categories.
With clear classification.
Excellent quality and attractive pricing.
It’s exactly like the website’s self-proclaimed slogan: “High quality, low price.”
For example, the iPhone covers all models from the iPhone 5 to the iPhone 15 series.
And there are quite a few mobile phone carriers to choose from.
Advantages of reebelo：
- High quality, low price.
- Complete models and sufficient quantity.
- Mobile phone quality is divided into 5 levels.
- Free shipping.
- Free 30-day returns guarantee.
- The 1-year warranty policy can be extended to 24 months. Covers drops and liquid damage, unlimited repairs.
- Maintenance time is 24-48 hours.
- including with certified charging cable
Disadvantages of reebelo:
It costs $60 to extend the warranty for an additional 12 months, and there is a $50 service fee for repairs.
To be honest, I don’t know if this is a drawback.
Value for money is a matter of opinion.
Reebelo’s biggest advantages are quality and price. At the same price, you can choose an iPhone with an almost perfect appearance at reebelo.
Reebelo refurbished summary:
Site
Price
Model and Quantity
Payment
Warranty
Delivery
Return
Battery
Carriers
reebelo
12-month warranty
Free
30-day
Min. 80%
Unlocked, all carriers
Acceptable:
Screen:Prominent scratches on screen. They do not impact visibility when the device is on.
Case/Body:Noticeable micro scratches visible upon close inspection along with possible dents and chips on the body.
Battery:>80%
Good:
Screen:Minor but visible scratches.
Case/Body:Visible light scratches and small dings are visible. No dent, bend, or deep chips.
Battery:>80%
Excellent:
Screen:Minimal scratches that are barely noticeable only when screen is off.
Case/Body:Minor signs of wear and light scratches. Invisible from a 12-inch distance.
Battery:>80%
Pristine:
Screen:No scratches, pristine.
Case/Body:Minimal signs of wear that are invisible from a 12-inch distance. Like-new look & feel.
Battery:>80%
Premium:
Screen:No scratches, pristine.
Case/Body:Minimal signs of wear that are invisible from a 12-inch distance. Like-new look & feel.
Battery:90% Minimum Battery Health Guaranteed
2. Back Market
They verified refurbished in the US.
Global platform sells premium refurbished tech, eco-friendly, up to 70% cheaper.
In my opinion, although the price is not as cheap as reebelo’s.
But guarantee all the equipment is refurbished in the United States.
So there is no doubt about the quality.
A new battery replacement service is provided when purchasing and a matching mobile phone case is recommended.
30-day no-questions-asked refund, 1-year warranty, save time and worry, why not?
Advantages of Back Market：
- Refund time: 30 days for free refund for any reason. The refund method is super simple, it takes 3 working days to return it to the original route.
- The 1-year warranty policy.
- Free repair or replacement will be provided if technical defects are found within the first year of purchase.
- 25 rigorous inspections, with an average of only 1 out of every 3 applications passing.
- Work with all carriers.
- Supports 3, 6, or 12 monthly installments.
- Free shipping, including return shipping costs.
- Comes with Charging cable
Disadvantages of Back Market:
AC adapters and headphones are not included with smartphone orders.
I think I’m nitpicking here. It’s not brand new after all.
So there is no need to mind at all.
Back Market refurbished summary:
Site
Price
Model and Quantity
Payment
Warranty
Delivery
Return
Battery
Carriers
Back Market
12-month warranty
Free
30-day
Min. 80%
Unlocked, all carriers
Fair:
Screen: May have micro-scratches which could be slightly noticeable when the screen is turned on
Body: Has visible scratches and/or dents
Good:
Screen: Perfect condition
Body: May have micro-scratches visible from 8 inches away
Excellent:
Screen: Perfect condition
Body: May have barely visible micro-scratches, not noticeable from 8 inches away.
3. gazelle
A clear test list gives people something to rely on.
Gazelle sells certified pre-owned electronics with thorough inspections and warranties.
There is a strict inspection and certification system. So, if you dislike trouble, this is a good choice.
The platform mainly sells Apple products and has sold millions of electronic devices.
There are a few choices of mobile phones, iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, and Google phones.
30-point checking lists. If you are also selling your phone, you can use the test items below to see if it is working.
Advantages of gazelle：
- Product includes charger.
- 30-day refund guarantee, with 10 refunds per account per year.
- Support monthly installment, least 0% ARP with affirm.
- Free express delivery to 48 states.
- Never pick anything from electronic waste dumps.
- Provide a 7-day round-the-clock guarantee for customers’ shopping.
- All equipment must pass 30 tests.
- Charger included
Disadvantages of gazelle:
- The price is close to Apple’s official refurbished price
- The Equipment Protection Plan costs $59.99 extra.
We have to buy a warranty to cover accidents and mechanical problems for 1 year.
But we have 30 days to consider whether it is necessary.
There are 30-point inspections for your reference.
- Front camera takes great selfies
- Front camera video recording is clear and ready for video chat
- Earpiece audio is not distorted
- Ring/Silent switch works
- Accesses Wi-Fi
- Connects to a cellular network
- Serial Number is clear for activation with your carrier
- Rear camera captures true, sharp images
- Autofocuses as expected
- Video recording is smooth
- LED flash is nice and bright
- Volume buttons work
- GPS can get you there
- Sleep/Wake button works
- Adequate battery health to stay juiced
- Device is cleaned thoroughly
- SIM card tray works
- Touchscreen functions fluidly
- Glass is free of damage
- Backlight is bright
- No dead pixels
- Makes calls
- Connects to the web
- Home button operates smoothly
- Headphone jack works
- Microphone records clear sound
- Voice commands work
- Device charges normally
- Device passes data via USB
- Loudspeaker is…loud
gazelle refurbished summary:
Site
Price
Model and Quantity
Payment
Warranty
Delivery
Return
Battery
Carriers
gazelle
$60 for 12-month warranty
Free
30-day
–
Unlocked, AT&T, T Mobile, Verizon
Fair : The screens of these devices are in good condition. There is some wear and tear that does not affect the functionality of the phone. These devices have been priced at the lowest amount to help you save money on a phone in great working order.
Good: The screens of these devices are in very good condition. There are light scuffs or nicks that do not affect the functionality of the phone.
Excellent : The best condition Gazelle has to offer. The screen and body of these devices are in excellent condition.
4. Apple
Guaranteed Apple quality.
Apple Certified Refurbished devices include genuine parts, warranty, and support.
To be honest, except that the price is more expensive than other platforms, there is nothing to fault it.
If you are picky about second-hand electronics, buying refurbished iPhones on the official website is a good choice.
You hardly need to worry about the phone’s quality, appearance scratches, or battery condition. It has undergone strict pre-sale inspection by Apple officials.
Advantages of Apple：
- The same one-year warranty as a brand-new iPhone.
- All manuals and accessories.
- A new battery and outer shell.
- A new white box.
- The 14-day warranty policy.
- New cables
Disadvantages of Apple:
- Special savings of up to 15%.（This is a euphemism for higher prices.）
- Quantities and models available are very limited.
The health of a mobile phone battery is related to the standby time of the mobile phone. The longer the standby time, the more beneficial it is to our daily work.I believe in the quality of the original batteries.
So, everything is new except for the high price, you can’t fault anything.
Apple refurbished summary:
Site
Price
Model and Quantity
Payment
Warranty
Delivery
Return
Battery
Carriers
Apple
Apple pay
12-month warranty
Free
14-day
100%
Unlocked
Apple Certified Refurbished Products.
5. Amazon
The price is low, but you need to know the goods.
There is no doubt that Amazon is the world’s number one e-commerce company today.
There is no doubt that Amazon is the world’s number one e-commerce company today.
There are small sellers and Amazon Store options on Amazon.
Small sellers’ product testing indicators are unclear. And, their promises have little force.
You need some luck to buy a satisfactory refurbished phone from them. When buying, look at the price and reviews. Also, check the seller’s address and return policy.
The price is low and there are more choices. If you have a discerning eye, it is a good choice.
Advantages of Amazon：
- Certified refurbished equipment comes with a 1-year warranty.
Shop with points.
Disadvantages of Amazon:
- The seller will not ship the goods until the buyer settles the payment, even in installments.
- The quality of small sellers varies.
Regardless, you can buy cheap refurbished iPhones on Amazon, and if you know your stuff, it’s worth a try.
If you don’t want to go through too much trouble, it’s best to buy a refurbished iPhone certified by Amazon.
Installment payment: Amazon’s installment payment does not need interest or fees. It is divided into 5 payments. The first payment is 20% to lock in the price. You must complete the remaining 4 payments within 8 weeks.
The company will not ship the shipment until the customer pays the final bill.
The company will not ship the shipment until you make the last payment.
This is different from other websites.
Apple refurbished summary:
Site
Price
Model and Quantity
Payment
Warranty
Delivery
Return
Battery
Carriers
Amazon
Amazon
12-month warranty (Only Amazon certified)
Free
30 to 90 days
Depending on store
Depending on store
Very Good: Very minor cosmetic imperfection on the item.
Good: Minor cosmetic imperfection on the item.
Acceptable: Small cosmetic imperfections on the item associated with regular use.
6. Best Buy
The price is between other platforms and Apple’s official website. It is a mid-range price. But, the return conditions are a little harsh.
There is no doubt that Amazon is the world’s number one e-commerce company today.
Best Buy’s repair center, the manufacturer, or a third-party company fixes refurbished products. They restore them to like-new condition.
Advantages of Best Buy：
- 14 days refund time.
- Renovation and repair guaranteed.
Disadvantages of Best Buy:
- There is a $45 fee for returns.
- The warranty against hardware defects is only 90 days.
Refund time: 14 days. I can’t say whether it’s good or bad. 14 days is enough for you to consider whether you need it. Return processing time is 7-10 working days.
If the item is unopened, you only need to pay a return fee in a few states. The warranty period is too short compared to other platforms.
What are the benefits of buying a refurbished iPhone?
1. You can get better configuration for less money.
Second-hand smartphones often boast advanced features that were cutting-edge at their release, allowing you to enjoy premium functionalities like high-resolution cameras and fast processors without breaking the bank.
Buying a used smartphone offers clear cost savings due to the rapid release of new models, providing budget-conscious consumers with the opportunity to acquire high-quality devices at a fraction of the original cost.
When it’s time for a phone upgrade, passing it on to an individual or a platform like Gazelle minimizes loss compared to purchasing new.
2. The unlocked second-hand iPhone allows you to choose your favorite operator.
Purchasing a second-hand smartphone provides the flexibility to select your preferred network provider and change plans easily, without being tied down by lengthy contracts.
3. You can flexibly choose between your budget and project configuration.
For students or those on a tight budget seeking iPhones with advanced configurations, second-hand electronic platforms offer plenty of satisfactory options.
4. Complete quality inspection process.
Many sites sell used electronics now. Quality and price are key points of competition.
Each major platform has its own complete testing process.
So, it is important to choose a large platform to buy used iPhones. They care a lot about the customer’s shopping experience. This includes the return process.
5. More environmentally friendly.
Recirculation equipment can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. There is not much I can do for the earth, and this little effort counts.
The global quantity of e-waste keeps increasing. Smartphones make up the fastest-growing e-waste stream.
6. The latest iOS system covers models from 6 years ago.
The latest IOS 17.4.1 system still supports the iPhone XR released in 2018, ensuring your safe use.
The iPhone 6 series came out 9 years ago. It can’t meet the latest system’s requirements. But, it’s in the system bug maintenance queue.
Therefore, according to Apple’s current habits, even if you buy a second-hand iPhone 13 now, it is enough for daily use.
When buying a refurbished iPhone online, what issues should you pay attention to?
1. Reputation of the sales platform.
Choosing a suitable shopping platform is the first thing you should consider. It can help you save a lot of time and filter out unnecessary worries.
For example, you can look up their name on Trustpilot and see reviews and ratings.
If a concern is in many negative ratings, look at one until you’re happy with it.
2. Warranty and refund policy
When you choose a platform and think it is good, please first take a look at its warranty and return policy.
See if any terms concern you very much. If not, then you can proceed to the next step.
3. Start shopping
Great, we have found a suitable exchange and can accept their warranty and refund policy.So let’s start shopping.
Generally, platforms will divide the quality of mobile phones into three levels.
Please read the descriptions of these three grades. They cover the screen, battery, and body.
The low price lets you shop around and compare phones of the same model on three platforms. You can always find one.
4. Received a package.
Regardless of the platform, when receiving a used electronics package, it’s advisable to use your phone to record a video before opening it.
Since it’s a second-hand product, not new, safeguarding yourself against potential issues is essential.
Begin by activating the camera’s video function and aiming it at the package before opening it. This footage can be crucial in the event of a refund request.
Then, ensure the completeness of the mobile phone and accessories, inspect the screen and body for scratches, and test the functionality of keys and ports.You can refer to gazelle’s 30-point quality inspections.
Additionally, assess the battery health, aiming for a minimum of 80% for general shopping websites.
If feasible, consider replacing the battery with a new one, albeit at a higher price, during purchase.
5. iOS 17.0 compatible iPhone models.
| Model | Generation |
|---|---|
iPhone 15,
iPhone 15 Plus,
iPhone 15 Pro,
iPhone 15 Pro Max, | 17 |
iPhone 14,
iPhone 14 Plus,
iPhone 14 Pro,
iPhone 14 Pro Max, | 16 |
iPhone SE (3rd),
iPhone 13 Mini,
iPhone 13 Pro,
iPhone 13 Pro Max, | 15 |
iPhone 12,
iPhone 12 Mini,
iPhone 12 Pro,
iPhone 12 Pro Max, | 14 |
iPhone SE(2nd), iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro, iPhone 11 Pro Max, | 13 |
iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, | 12 |
Please remember that no platform can satisfy everyone. There will always be some coincidences or strange things happening. This is the normal state of life, isn’t it?
So, you only need to check if the website can meet your requirements for buying.
Conclusion
At this point, you should understand the warranties and refunds of these websites.
In my opinion, reebelo is head and shoulders above other platforms in terms of quality and price. For example, a Premium iPhone 14 is about 20% cheaper than a brand new one on the official website. If you can accept the perfect appearance and battery, the price can even be 40% cheaper.